Previous government was unable to inspire: PM

New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was unable to “inspire” with lack of focus on what they wanted to achieve on the economic front. “They (the previous government) were preoccupied with divisive agendas and their economic agenda was not sufficiently focussed. There was no attempt to make our growth more broad-based and inclusive,” the prime minister said.

“The government of the day were unable to inspire,” he told the annual session of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) here that was attended by top industrialists, bureaucrats and diplomats.

He said one of the main agendas of his government was not to repeat the policies of the previous government and added that he derived satisfaction from the fact that his United Progressive Alliance (UPA) succeeded on two major fronts.

“On the one hand, we have been able to accelerate economic growth substantially, taking it to a higher plane,” the prime minister said in a self-congratulatory note and went on to list some of the schemes launched by his government.

“At the same time, we have been able to put in place the basic architecture necessary for ensuring that this growth will be broad based, more even, more socially inclusive and therefore, more sustainable in the medium term.”

According to the prime minister, he saw a new sense of confidence in the air and said he was saluting the captains of industry for earning a name for themselves, their enterprise and the country with their commitment.

“When I come to gatherings like these, I am no longer confronted by petitions, prayers or protests. Rather, I hear more about performance, potential and possibilities.”

“I am aware that there are many persisting problems,” he said and added: “We are in the midst of the budget season and I am sure that the relevant ministers of the government will take note of what has been stated.”